SL Embassy in Brazil celebrates Independence Day, 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brasília, Brazil, celebrated Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day on 4 February at the embassy premises

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brasília, Brazil, celebrated Sri Lanka’s 72nd Independence Day on 4 February at the embassy premises. The event, attended by the Sri Lankan expatriate community and embassy staff, began with the hoisting of the National Flag by Ambassador Musthafa M. Jaffeer and the delivering of messages from the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Visitors experienced sumptuous dishes from Sri Lanka and samples of a variety of teas from the country

Lighting of the traditional oil lamp by Department of India, South and Southeast Asia Director General Maria Izabel Veira (left) and Ambassador Musthafa M. Jaffeer

The embassy also hosted a reception later in the evening at Porto Vittoria, Asa Sul to celebrate the National Day along with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Brazil. 

A large number of representatives from the Brazilian government, diplomatic corps, the business community, and academia, along with high officials, journalists, religious dignitaries, and Sri Lankan expatriates attended this event. 

The Ambassador, delivering his speech at the event, noted that the conviction of Sri Lankan people in a system that respects and values freedom, democracy, diversity, development and a unified country, has helped the nation overcome challenges faced over the years since Independence.

urther, he highlighted the new Government’s resolve, under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, to build a secure, unified, and prosperous nation.

Underscoring the milestone of 60 years of diplomatic relations with Brazil, Ambassador Jaffeer affirmed Sri Lanka’s desire to engage with the country more vigorously to bring dividends, especially, in the economic sector. 

The Department of India, South and Southeast Asia Director General Maria Izabel Veira, representing the Brazilian Government, stated that Brazil was proud to host the sole Sri Lankan Embassy in South America since 2001. 

Noting the dialogue established at high and parliamentary levels, she stressed the need to increase the trade, investment and tourism flow from both countries, which are currently below their potential.

Visitors were able to taste sumptuous dishes from Sri Lanka and samples of a variety of teas from the country. 

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brasília, in the coming months, has planned to host a number of commemorative events, in collaboration with Brazilian authorities, to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, including a Sri Lankan photographic exhibition and a film festival.